Rates

Hourly Rate $35 Block Rate 4 Hours 5% Discount $133 Block Rate 8 Hours 10% Discount $252 Block Rate 12 Hours 15% Discount $357 Block Rate 2 or 3 consecutive days ** 20% Discount TBD Block Rate 4 or more days per week ** 25% Discount TBD

** 8 hour minimum sessions

Hourly rates include complete tracking, mixing, production, and performance services.

Package Deals

2 song demo (single instrument and one vocal track)         $50
6 hour demo block (live recording and quick mix)               $150

Lessons

Private Lessons are available for Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys/Piano, Podcasting, and Audio Production.
$35 an hour (one hour per week minimum)

Additional Services

Mastering     $100 Per Song
Web design    Pricing Varies depending on complexity of site     $250 – $1000
Podcast Production    $25 per hour plus one additional hour to process and upload completed show.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How long does it take to track, mix and master a song?

Tracking is primarily based on you and your band.  If performers are well rehearsed and the song is complete with all parts, transitions, and solos, tracking can be done relatively quickly.  Also plan for overdubs and most importantly, vocals.  Then allow at least 4 hours of time after edits for the engineer to produce a proper mix.  If this step is rushed, your hard work in the studio will not yield the final product that it deserves to be.

- How long does a typical session last?

An average session is usually 4 to 12 hours.  Set-up and breaks are not billed as session time.

- What is the best way to save time?

Be prepared for the session! This is easily the best way to get the most bang for your buck.  If you want to write your record as your record it, plan on a much bigger budget for the project.

- What can I do to get ready for the session?

A properly tuned drum kit with new heads is going to make the largest impact from the start.  Drums that sound bad in practice will sound bad in the studio.

Put a fresh set of strings on all stringed instruments before you arrive in the studio.

If your guitars or amps have any problems they will become more apparent than ever in the recording session.  Get them repaired or borrow working gear for the best results.  Ditch Road Records offers a large collection of guitar and bass amps that may be used if so desired by the client.

Replace any batteries in gear that require them and bring extras to the session.

Think about anything else that you may want by your side in the moment that will help you though the process and make sure that you bring it!

- How do we begin tracking a new song?

Of the endless possibilities, I have found it is best to track drums, bass, keyboards and rhythm guitars together along with a guide vocal.  Acoustic instruments, solos, percussion, strings, and vocals are then tracked as overdubs.  I strongly recommend that tracking be done along with a click track for consistency.  This greatly simplifies the editing process too.

- Do I need to get my song mastered?

A properly mixed track needs to be put through the mastering process to get that loud and hot feel that songs on the radio have.  Before mastering, you may notice that your mix is not quite as “loud” as tracks from a production CD at the same volume on your system.   This is the final process that adds those last minor but important details that complete the mix and ready it for distribution.